Balancing act: how employers can support working parents over the summer holidays
In today's hybrid working landscape, employers are increasingly facing challenges in supporting working parents during the school summer holidays. The rising cost of childcare and lack of universal family support mean that many parents struggle to balance professional responsibilities with caring for their children. Lucy Westlake, director at The HR Dept Norwich and the East Coast, outlines practical strategies that organisations can adopt to support young families without compromising productivity.
Key Points
1. Acknowledge the Stress and Plan Ahead
61% of parents report that school holidays are a significant source of stress, often due to childcare concerns.
Employers should set expectations early by reviewing remote work policies and encouraging proactive planning.
Open communication allows HR to understand employees' unique challenges and roles.
2. Set Clear Frameworks and Expectations
Seasonal bottlenecks can be managed by establishing clear, consistent policies around working hours, home working, and expected outputs.
Employers should reassure staff that they can speak openly with managers or HR about challenges.
Having a defined structure helps employees feel prepared and confident when requesting flexibility.
3. Offer Flexible Working Without Sacrificing Output
Flexibility options might include:
Reduced office time during holidays.
Temporary workload redistribution across teams.
Use of parental leave or adjusted working hours.
Importantly, hybrid working benefits women significantly — 89% say it helps them manage childcare.
4. Create a Culture of Trust and Support
Some employees may prefer coming into the office to avoid distractions — flexibility should go both ways.
Managers must ensure employees do not fear judgment for using flexible options — 24% avoid it due to fear of negative perceptions.
Judging performance based on output, not physical presence, is key to maintaining fairness and trust.
Conclusion
There’s no universal solution to supporting working parents during the summer, but organisations that offer structured flexibility, communicate openly, and foster a culture of trust can help employees navigate this difficult time. By listening and showing empathy, employers not only support their teams’ well-being but also cultivate loyalty, engagement, and long-term productivity. Supporting working parents isn't just a seasonal necessity, it's a strategic imperative for a modern, inclusive workplace.
Read full article here: https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1927197/balancing-act-employers-support-working-parents-summer-holidays?bulletin=pm-daily&utm_source=mc&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20250729_PM+Daily_NWL_CIPD_GLO_MIX_MAN_NA.https%3a%2f%2fwww.peoplemanagement.co.uk%2farticle%2f1927197%2fbalancing-act-employers-support-working-parents-summer-holidays%3fbulletin%3dpm-daily&utm_campaign=&utm_term=5458326
(Article source– People management)